Release Date:  Immediately

Contact:  George C. A. Emmanuel

722 2274/2431

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)

PHMR Management Effectiveness Evaluation

Punta Gorda Town July 24, 2006

On Friday July 21, 2006 a meeting was held to present the results on the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) conducted during June and July 2006 to TIDE’s staff, stake-holders, and members of the public by Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts the consultant responsible for carrying out the research.

During the meeting feedback was discussed among the stakeholders on the research conducted to evaluate PHMR performance since its establishment in 2000 and to evaluate TIDE’s performance as the co-manager of the reserve over the last five years.

Major findings of the evaluation, indicate that PHMR performance has been satisfactory. TIDE’s performance as the co-management body has also been fairly satisfactory with four of its five goals implemented.  TIDE has been able to mobilize resources for a staffed and adequately managed marine protected area.  The evaluation also provides recommendations for adaptive management by TIDE and will also serve to inform donors and the Fisheries Department on the progress TIDE has made as co-manager of the PHMR.

Funding to conduct the research was provided by the Oak Foundation who is one of TIDE’s donors for such activities.  Another presentation is scheduled for the village of Monkey River, the bigger of the two villages buffering the PHMR; the other village being Punta Negra.

TIDE’s mission is to promote the sustainable development of the Toledo District by fostering the efficient and effective management of the region's resources, conducting relevant research, and by promoting training and advocacy in order to preserve our natural heritage for present and future generations.